The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-08-05
THE WITCHS HEAD.
By II. RIDER HAGGARD.

and now you wish, IN order 70 gratify an
unlawful passion for q shedder of blood-you
wish TO throw me over, to trample upon my
holiest feelings, and TO rob me OF the prize
which have won. No, Eva, ! will not re-
lease you"
"surely, surely Mr.. Plowden,n said Eva,
family, for she wus a gentle creature, and
the mans violence overwhelmed her, "you
will not force mo into marriage which | tell
you is repugnant TO met l appeal TO your
generosity to release me- You can never
oblige me to marry you when | tell you that
do not love you, md that my whole heart Is
given to another man."
Mr. Plowden saw that his violence was do.
ing its work. and determined to follow it up.
He raised his voice till it was almost shout
"Yes," he said, "I will will not submit to
such wickedness Lovel that will come.
am quite willing TO take my chance Of II. No,
tell you fairly that l will not let you Oft;
and il you try to avoid fulfilling your engage
ment to me will do more; l will proclaim
you all over the country as n jilt; will bring
an action for breach of promise of marriage
against you-perhsps you did not know that
men can do that as well as wonderland cover
your name with disgracel Look have your
written promise Of marriage" and he pro-
duced her letter.
Eva turned to her sister.
"Florence," she said, cannot you say
word to help met l am overwhelmed"
~ wish could, Eva, DEAR" answered her
sister, kindly, "but how can II What Mr..
Plowden says is just and right. You are
engaged to him, and are in honor bound to
marry him. Oh, Eva do not bring trouble
and disgrace upon us all by your obstinacyi
You owe something to your name as well as
TO yourself, and something to me too. l am
sure that Mr.. Plowden will be willing to for
get all about this If you will undertake never
to allude to it again.
"Oh, yes, certainly, Miss Florence. am
not revengeful; only want my rights"
Eva looked family from one to the other,
her head sunk, and great black rings painted
themselves beneath her eyes. The lily was
broken at last.
"You are very cruel" she said, slowly; "but
suppose it must be as you wish. Pray God
may die first, that is ALI and she put her
bands to her head and stumbled from the
/ room, leaving the two conspirators facing
each other
aCome, we got over that capitally," said
Mr.. Plowden, rubbing his hands "There il
nothing like taking the high hand with q
that gentleman has rights as well as them
Selves
Florence turned on him with bitter scorn
"Gentlemen Mr.. Plowden, why is the
word so often Oh your lipsl Surely, aftei
the part you have just played, you do no
| presume to rank yourself among gentlemen
Listen it suits my purpose that you SHOULD
marry Eva; and you shall marry her; but
| will not stoop to play the hypocrlte with
man like you. You talk of yourself as
gentleman, and do not scruple to force all in
| nocent girl into a wicked marriage. and t,
crush her spirit with your cunning cruelty
| A gentleman, foiSooth.-a satyr, devil il
disguise!'
81 am only asserting my rights" he said,
,urlously; land whatever | have done, you
have done more"
"Do not try your violence on me, Mr.
Plowden; it will not do. am not made Of
the same stuff as your victim. Lower youi
voice or leave the house and do not enter il
again"
Mr.. Plowden's heavy under jaw fell {
little; he was terribly afraid of Florence.
Now she said, "listen | do not choos
that you should labor under any mistake.
hold your hand in this business, though t.
have to do with you in any way is in itself
defllement,n and she wiped her delicate fin
gers on pocket handkerchief as she said th
word, "because have an end of my own t
gain. Not a vulgar end like yours, but re
venge, which shall be almost divine or dia
bolcal, call it which you will, in its complete
ness. Perhaps it is a madness, perhaps 1t
IN inspiration, perhaps it is fate, Wha'
ever it Is, it animates me body and soul, all
will crafty it, though to do so have to US
n tool like you. wished to explain this I
you. wished, too, to make it clear to 20
that | consider you contemplate. l hay
done both and have now the pleasure
wish you good morning"
Mr. Plowden left the house white wit
fury, and cursing in a manner remarkable
clergyman.
"If she wasn't so handsome, hang me If
would not throw the whole thing upl" !
said.
Needless to say, he did nothing of the sor
he only kept out of Florence's way.